New stuff

A shot of red... so refreshing!

I love this how the deep cherry of this fuchsia agate is played up by the gold brass wire...

Bohemian opulence meets classic elegance in this Klimt of blue quartz,

peach jade, amethyst and Swarovski pearl.

How cute is this little cube against the double hoops!

I love the ruby hue of the faceted fuchsia agate against the powder-blue of the amazonite, set off with black onyx and a cream Swarovski pearl.

Click on the pics to go directly to its Etsy listing.

Things These Two Get Up To

What happens when we take them to the bar for dinner, and they study the drinks menu a little too closely...

Happy Monday!

(pic via icanread)

On Making It Big And Not-Quite

Yesterday, I made up my mind not to take part in Blueprint Emporium, the exhibition that industry players were sure would take MAYA & RUHI to new heights.

And what does THAT actually mean? If MAYA & RUHI were to scale new heights and become The Next Big Thing, I foresee it as me having to spend a lot of time and attention on all kinds of business aspects, things like orders and invoices, sourcing, farming out my crafting, marketing and advertising, etc.

It would take me away from what I love about MAYA & RUHI, which is sitting at the worktable, soaking in the creative energy of the complete chaos of beads and wires, and letting each design evolve with multiple construction and deconstruction. Even worse, I foresee that if MAYA & RUHI really took off, the real Maya and Ruhi will have no mother. I'm THAT poor a multi-tasker. That is why I can't have a "proper" career and be an effective mom. At the same time.

What sealed the deal for me was the arrival of a thank-you card from a client whom I had customed a pair of earrings for. It was such a sweet, personal gesture, it utterly and completely made my day that day.

These fairs I have been doing, not only gives me a break from the endless laundry cycles, cooking, cleaning, washing up, mothering and what-not. These fairs also let me meet the people who appreciate and support my art personally, and that is what gives me the gratification and motivation to continue doing what I do best, which is design and craft every single piece, from scratch, with my own hands.

Like I told a good friend yesterday, who had asked if I had come to a decision about Blueprint, "I craft better than supervise other people crafting". In other words, I am very happy where MAYA & RUHI is, and where I am, at home with the real Maya and Ruhi.

And here's for a big Thank-You to everyone who has ever supported MAYA & RUHI in any way. :D

On My Lust List

Ah... the BB by Michel Molinas, a Paris brand that's hitting the bag scene by storm. I am going to get my hands on this one...

Michel Molinas is apparently Paris' best-kept secret. A family label with a history steeped in leather bag crafting.

My fashionista-business-guru friend, Rachel, who owns Lush Icon, where MAYA & RUHI is at in KL, is stocking these gorgeous-lovelies in her boutique. The BB comes in black, camel and a few other colours. To see the entire Michel Molinas range at Lush Icon, click here.

There's A Fork On My Road

Recently, I was presented with the opportunity to take part in an accessories exhibition that's part of Blueprint, a major fashion event here in Asia that showcases new talent and reiterate established names.

I was abuzz. A local fashion icon told me I should really seize the opportunity and take part. She was sure I will do well, because I am "an artist with a story to tell". I was stoked, but at the same time scared.

So I gathered up my guts and contacted Carolyn Kan, founder of Carrie K. She was last year's Blueprint ingenue. And since then, her art and her business has grown in leaps and bounds. Carrie K is now a respected local brand, and a successful export label.

Carolyn is super affable. She was so warm, and so generous with her information. I suppose she knows exactly how I feel having had her Blueprint experience. The first thing she said was, "You have to stop thinking of this as a hobby, and start thinking of it as a business."

We spoke almost half an hour, on preparation for Blueprint, what happened next, what becoming a full-fledged business entails, how to learn from customer feedback, how to create business contacts... It was an education in itself. I am eternally grateful to Carolyn for being so willing to share. Incidentally, she won Singapore Elle's Jewelry Designer of the Year. Which serves to reiterate my belief that good things happen to good people.

Thing is, what do you do when you're told you could be The Next Big Thing? There is the very optimistic (bordering on altruistic) "go for it!". But what does THAT really mean?

(pic via savagechickens.com)

Happy Monday!

(pic via weheartit.com)

Off To The Fair!

The stash is all set, and suitcase all packed...

...and here's some of the stuff you can look forward to at The Fair!

The Fair @ The Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road

Wednesday 13 April 10am - 7pm, Thursday 14 April 9.30am - 5pm

See you there! :)

In Conversation with Maya and Ruhi

Over this weekend, These Two spotted me giving the husband a kiss and a cuddle...

Maya: Mom... are you trying to get Dad to buy you something?

Me: What?? Where did you get THAT idea from?

Ruhi: Mom... are you trying to get Dad pregnant?

O_O!!

Happy Monday!

(via icanread)

White Out

I'm loving how all these decor styles are so different, yet so white.

(pics via the nest)

Scenes from the National Museum of Singapore

I had some Me-Time today, and decided to spend it at the National Museum. Coz I heart museums. :)

The Fair @ Goodwood Park Hotel

Ah yes, the last fair was so much fun, I just had to do another one. This one will be at the iconic Goodwood Park Hotel. I love this place. It's a solid piece of architectural history smack in the middle of all the spanking new buildings. And so, here are a few new pieces that will be on the table at The Fair, come 13 and 14 April.

Save the dates now, people!

Happy Monday!

(pic via icanread)

Makes Me Laugh

What would Serge say?